United Kingdom to expand support to Ukraine’s Armed Forces

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has said that the United Kingdom stands firmly alongside Ukraine as the British Army prepares to broaden its already extended training package to all of the country’s armed forces.

Speaking in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv, on his second trip to the country in 18 months, Sir Michael said that the UK is beginning to deliver training to Ukraine’s Air Force as well as its Army and Navy.

On January 20, in the framework of official visit of the delegation of the UK Ministry of Defence to Ukraine, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence became a venue for a meeting ceremony of Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom Sir Michael Fallon.

General Poltorak thanked for attention the UK and Allies paid to Ukraine, particularly, in the context of fighting against the Russian aggression.

He also stressed the senior officials of Ukraine emphasized the development of relations with the United Kingdom and thanked for provided military political and practical assistance.

The parties discussed the situation in the east of Ukraine and the progress of defence reform in Ukraine.

The Defence Secretary also agreed to explore how Britain’s training efforts in Ukraine could be maximised to produce long-term benefits on the ground, delivering a more comprehensive approach including by Train the Trainer (T3). Moving to this method of training would entrench the impact of Britain’s support within Ukraine’s armed forces for years to come.

Furthermore, Britain will continue its commitment to support defence reform in Ukraine via the UK defence section. As part of his visit the Defence Secretary will meet the UK Special Defence Advisor in Kyiv and Ukraine’s Defence Reform Office who are working hand-in-hand to continue reforms and support further anti-corruption efforts.

The Defence Secretary also spoke about how the UK is a partner in prosperity with Ukraine. He met with staff of the Antonov National Company, the Ukrainian aircraft manufacturers company. British equipment from operations in Afghanistan and now in Iraq has been transported using Antonov aircraft and Dowty Propellers, based in the UK, has started component deliveries for propeller systems that will equip a demonstrator for the company’s new An-132 twin-engine transport aircraft.